Determining soft data

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for determining soft data. A number of embodiments include determining soft data associated with a data state of a memory cell. In a number of embodiments, the soft data may be determined by performing a single stepped sense operation on the memory cell.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/266,271, filed Sep. 15, 2016, which issues as U.S. Pat. No.10,573,379 on Feb. 25, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/294,802, filed Jun. 3, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,460,783 on Oct. 4, 2016, the contents of which are included herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor memory andmethods, and more particularly, to determining soft data.

BACKGROUND

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor,integrated circuits and/or external removable devices in computers orother electronic devices. There are many different types of memoryincluding volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can requirepower to maintain its data and can include random-access memory (RAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and synchronous dynamic randomaccess memory (SDRAM), among others. Non-volatile memory can retainstored data when not powered and can include NAND flash memory, NORflash memory, phase change random access memory (PCRAM), resistiverandom access memory (RRAM), and magnetic random access memory (MRAM),among others.

Memory devices can be combined together to form a solid state drive(SSD). An SSD can include non-volatile memory (e.g., NAND flash memoryand/or NOR flash memory), and/or can include volatile memory (e.g., DRAMand/or SRAM), among various other types of non-volatile and volatilememory. Flash memory devices can include memory cells storing data in acharge storage structure such as a floating gate, for instance, and maybe utilized as non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronicapplications. Flash memory devices may use a one-transistor memory cellthat allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low powerconsumption.

Memory cells in an array architecture can be programmed to a target(e.g., desired) state. For instance, electric charge can be placed on orremoved from the charge storage structure (e.g., floating gate) of amemory cell to program the cell to a particular data state. The storedcharge on the charge storage structure of the memory cell can indicate athreshold voltage (Vt) of the cell.

For example, a single level cell (SLC) can be programmed to a targetedone of two different data states, which can be represented by the binaryunits 1 or 0. Some flash memory cells can be programmed to a targetedone of more than two data states (e.g., 1111, 0111, 0011, 1011, 1001,0001, 0101, 1101, 1100, 0100, 0000, 1000, 1010, 0010, 0110, and 1110).Such cells may be referred to as multi state memory cells, multiunitcells, or multilevel cells (MLCs). MLCs can provide higher densitymemories without increasing the number of memory cells since each cellcan represent more than one digit (e.g., more than one bit).

A state of a flash memory cell can be determined by sensing the storedcharge on the charge storage structure (e.g., the Vt) of the cell.However, a number of mechanisms, such as read disturb, program disturb,and/or charge loss (e.g., charge leakage), for example, can cause the Vtof the memory cell to change. As a result of the change in the Vt, anerror may occur when the state of the cell is sensed. For example, thecell may be sensed to be in a state other than the target state (e.g., astate different than the state to which the cell was programmed). Sucherrors can be corrected by error correction code (ECC) schemes such as,for example, a low-density parity-check (LDPC) ECC scheme, which mayutilize soft data associated with the data state of the cell to correctthe error.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a memory array inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a number of threshold voltagedistributions, sensing voltages, and data assignments associated with asensing operation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of sense circuitry in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a timing diagram associated with asingle sense operation in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates an additional example of a timing diagram associatedwith a single sense operation in accordance with a number of embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of amemory device in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for determiningsoft data. A number of embodiments include determining soft dataassociated with a data state of a memory cell, wherein the soft data isdetermined by performing a single stepped sense operation on the memorycell.

Hard data can refer to a binary data value stored in one or more memorycells and provided to a host responsive to a sense (e.g., read)operation, for example. In various instances, soft data associated withthe sensed data state (e.g., with the hard data) of the memory cell canalso be determined. The soft data can, for example, indicate the qualityand/or confidence of the hard data (e.g., information regarding theprobability of the cell storing the read hard data or of the cellstoring different data). Accordingly, soft data can provide benefitssuch as increased accuracy and/or reliability (e.g., decreased errorrate), and/or increased memory life, among other benefits.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can determine soft data associatedwith the data state (e.g., with the hard data) of a memory cell byperforming a single (e.g., only one) sense operation on the cell. Forexample, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the same senseoperation can be used to determine both a hard data value and a numberof soft data values. In contrast, in previous approaches, multiple(e.g., more than one) separate sense operations may need to be performedon the cell to determine the soft data. For example, in previousapproaches, the soft data may be determined by performing one or moresense operations on the cell that are in addition to (e.g., separatefrom) the sense operation that determines the hard data. Becauseembodiments of the present disclosure can determine soft data byperforming a single sense operation, embodiments of the presentdisclosure can determine the soft data faster than previous approachesthat use multiple sense operations to determine the soft data, which canincrease the efficiency and/or performance (e.g., speed) of the memoryas compared with such previous approaches.

As used herein, “a number of” something can refer to one or more suchthings. For example, a number of memory cells can refer to one or morememory cells. Additionally, the designators “N” and “M”, as used herein,particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings,indicates that a number of the particular feature so designated can beincluded with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 100 may referenceelement “00” in FIG. 1, and a similar element may be referenced as 500in FIG. 5.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a memory array100 in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a NAND architecturenon-volatile memory array. However, embodiments described herein are notlimited to this example. As shown in FIG. 1, memory array 100 includesaccess lines (e.g., word lines 105-1, . . . , 105-N) and data lines(e.g., bit lines) 107-1, 107-2, 107-3, . . . , 107-M. For ease ofaddressing in the digital environment, the number of word lines 105-1, .. . , 105-N and the number of bit lines 107-1, 107-2, 107-3, . . . ,107-M can be some power of two (e.g., 256 word lines by 4,096 bitlines).

Memory array 100 includes NAND strings 109-1, 109-2, 109-3, . . . ,109-M. Each NAND string includes non-volatile memory cells 111-1, . . ., 111-N, each communicatively coupled to a respective word line 105-1, .. . , 105-N. Each NAND string (and its constituent memory cells) is alsoassociated with a bit line 107-1, 107-2, 107-3, . . . , 107-M. Thenon-volatile memory cells 111-1, . . . , 111-N of each NAND string109-1, 109-2, 109-3, . . . , 109-M are connected in series between asource select gate (SGS) (e.g., a field-effect transistor (FET)) 113,and a drain select gate (SGD) (e.g., FET) 119. Each source select gate113 is configured to selectively couple a respective NAND string to acommon source 123 responsive to a signal on source select line 117,while each drain select gate 119 is configured to selectively couple arespective NAND string to a respective bit line responsive to a signalon drain select line 115.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a source of sourceselect gate 113 is connected to a common source 123. The drain of sourceselect gate 113 is connected to memory cell 111-1 of the correspondingNAND string 109-1. The drain of drain select gate 119 is connected tobit line 107-1 of the corresponding NAND string 109-1 at drain contact121-1. The source of drain select gate 119 is connected to memory cell111-N (e.g., a floating-gate transistor) of the corresponding NANDstring 109-1.

In a number of embodiments, construction of non-volatile memory cells111-1, . . . , 111-N includes a charge storage structure such as afloating gate, and a control gate. Non-volatile memory cells 111-1, . .. , 111-N have their control gates coupled to a word line, 105-1, . . ., 105-N respectively. A “column” of the non-volatile memory cells,111-1, . . . , 111-N, make up the NAND strings 109-1, 109-2, 109-3, . .. , 109-M, and are coupled to a given bit line 107-1, 107-2, 107-3, . .. , 107-M, respectively. A “row” of the non-volatile memory cells arethose memory cells commonly coupled to a given word line 105-1, . . . ,105-N. The use of the terms “column” and “row” is not meant to imply aparticular linear (e.g., vertical and/or horizontal) orientation of thenon-volatile memory cells. A NOR array architecture would be similarlylaid out, except that the string of memory cells would be coupled inparallel between the select gates.

Subsets of cells coupled to a selected word line (e.g., 105-1, . . . ,105-N) can be programmed and/or sensed (e.g., read) together (e.g., atthe same time). A program operation (e.g., a write operation) caninclude applying a number of program pulses (e.g., 16V-20V) to aselected word line in order to increase the threshold voltage (Vt) ofselected cells coupled to that selected access line to a desired programvoltage level corresponding to a target (e.g., desired) data state.

A sense operation, such as a read or program verify operation, caninclude sensing a voltage and/or current change of a bit line coupled toa selected cell in order to determine the data state (e.g., hard datavalue) of the selected cell. The sense operation (e.g., the same senseoperation used to determine the hard data value of the selected cell)can also be used to determine soft data associated with the data stateof the selected cell, as will be further described herein. The senseoperation can include providing a voltage to (e.g., biasing) a bit line(e.g., bit line 107-1) associated with a selected memory cell above avoltage (e.g., bias voltage) provided to a source (e.g., source 123)associated with the selected memory cell. A sense operation couldalternatively include precharging the bit line followed with dischargewhen a selected cell begins to conduct, and sensing the discharge.Examples of sense operations in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure will be further described herein.

Sensing the state of a selected cell can include providing a number ofstepped sensing signals (e.g., stepped sensing signals that includedifferent read voltage levels) to a selected word line while providing anumber of pass signals (e.g., read pass voltages) to the word linescoupled to the unselected cells of the string sufficient to place theunselected cells in a conducting state independent of the Vt of theunselected cells. The bit line corresponding to the selected cell beingread and/or verified can be sensed to determine whether or not theselected cell conducts in response to the particular sensing voltageapplied to the selected word line. For example, the data state of theselected cell, and the soft data associated with the data state, can bedetermined based on the current of the bit line corresponding to theselected cell, as will be further described herein.

When the selected cell is in a conductive state, current flows betweenthe source contact at one end of the string and a bit line contact atthe other end of the string. As such, the current associated withsensing the selected cell is carried through each of the other cells inthe string and the select transistors.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram 201 of a number of threshold voltage (Vt)distributions, sensing voltages, and data (e.g., hard and soft data)assignments associated with a sensing operation. The two Vtdistributions 225-1 and 225-2 shown in FIG. 2 can correspond to two-bit(e.g., four-state) multilevel memory cells. As such, although not shownin FIG. 2, a two-bit memory cell would include two additional Vtdistributions (e.g., one corresponding to each of the four data states).In this example, only the Vt distributions corresponding to data statesL1 and L2 are shown. Embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited to two-bit memory cells.

As shown in FIG. 2, Vt distributions 225-1 and 225-2 represent twotarget data states (e.g., L1 and L2, respectively) to which the memorycells can be programmed. Each target data state has a lower page datavalue and an upper page data value corresponding thereto. In thisexample, data state L1 corresponds to data “11” (e.g., a lower page datavalue of 1 and an upper page data value of 1) and data state L2corresponds to data “01” (e.g., a lower page data value of 1 and anupper page data value of 0). That is, the hard data values of the upperpages of target states L1 and L2 are 1 and 0, respectively. The harddata values of the lower pages of target states L1 and L2 are each 1.Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to theseparticular data assignments.

Vt distributions 225-1 and 225-2 can represent a number of memory cellsthat are programmed to the corresponding target states (e.g., L1 and L2,respectively), with the height of a Vt distribution curve indicating anumber of cells programmed to a particular voltage within the Vtdistribution (e.g., on average). The width of the Vt distribution curveindicates the range of voltages that represent a particular target state(e.g., the width of the Vt distribution curve 225-2 for L2 representsthe range of voltages that correspond to a hard data value of 01).

During a sense (e.g., read) operation, a sensing (e.g., read) voltagelocated between Vt distributions 225-1 and 225-2 can be used todistinguish between states L1 and L2. In a read operation performed on aselected memory cell in a NAND string, the unselected memory cells ofthe string can be biased with a pass voltage so as to be in a conductingstate. When all cells in a string are in a conductive state, current canflow between the source contact at one end of the string and a drainline contact at the other end of the string. As such, the data state ofthe selected cell can be determined based on the current sensed on a bitline corresponding to a particular string when the selected cell beginsto conduct (e.g., in response to the particular read voltage applied tothe control gate of the cell (via a selected word line)), as will befurther described herein.

Each data state (e.g., L1, and L2) of the memory cells can have softdata associated therewith. For instance, the Vt distribution (e.g.,225-1 or 225-2) associated with each data state can have soft datavalues (e.g., bits) assigned thereto. In the example illustrated in FIG.2, two bits are used to provide soft data (e.g., quality and/orconfidence information) associated with the data states.

Soft data (e.g., the soft data values) associated with a data state of amemory cell can indicate a location of the Vt associated with the memorycell within the Vt distribution associated with the data state of thememory cell. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, softdata 00 associated with data state L2 indicates that the Vt of thememory cell is located at a voltage greater than reference voltage R5within Vt distribution 225-2 (e.g., that the Vt of the memory cell islocated toward the middle of Vt distribution 225-2), and soft data 00associated with data state L1 indicates that the Vt of the memory cellis located at a voltage less than reference voltage R1 within Vtdistribution 225-1 (e.g., that the Vt of the memory cell is locatedtoward the middle of Vt distribution 225-1).

Additionally, soft data 10 associated with data state L2 indicates thatthe Vt of the memory cell is located at a voltage between referencevoltages R4 and R5 within Vt distribution 225-2, and soft data 10associated with data state L1 indicates that the Vt of the memory cellis located at a voltage between reference voltages R1 and R2 (e.g., softdata 10 indicates that the Vt of the memory cell is located closertoward the edge of the Vt distribution than soft data 00). Further, softdata 11 associated with data state L2 indicates that the Vt of thememory cell is located at a voltage between reference voltages R3 andR4, and soft data 11 associated with data state L1 indicates that the Vtof the memory cell is located at a voltage between reference voltages R2and R3. As such, soft data 11 may indicate a lower confidence that thehard data matches the target state to which the cell was originallyprogrammed.

Soft data (e.g., the soft data values) associated with a data state of amemory cell can also indicate a probability of whether the Vt associatedwith the memory cell corresponds to the data state of the memory cell.For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, soft data 00associated with the data state L2 indicates a strong probability thatthe Vt of the memory cell corresponds to data state L2 (e.g., upper pagehard data 0), soft data 10 associated with the data state L2 indicates amoderate probability (e.g., a probability that is less than the strongprobability) that the Vt of the memory cell corresponds to data stateL2, and soft data 11 associated with data state L2 indicates a weakprobability (e.g., a probability that is less than the moderateprobability) that the Vt of the memory cell corresponds to data stateL2. Additionally, soft data 00 associated with the data state L1indicates a strong probability that the Vt of the memory cellcorresponds to data state L1 (e.g., upper page hard data 1), soft data10 associated with data state L1 indicates a moderate probability thatthe Vt of the memory cell corresponds to data state L1, and soft data 11associated with data state L1 indicates a weak probability that the Vtof the memory cell corresponds to data state L1.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the referencevoltages and/or soft data assignments shown in FIG. 2. For example, agreater number of soft data assignments can be used to indicate a moreprecise Vt location within a Vt distribution and/or a more preciseprobability of whether a Vt corresponds to a data state. However, forsimplicity and so as not to obscure embodiments of the presentdisclosure, five reference voltages and six soft data values (e.g., sixdifferent soft data possibilities) representing six different hard dataquality and/or confidence levels have been illustrated in FIG. 2.

The soft data values (e.g., at least two soft data values) associatedwith the data state of a memory cell can be determined by performing asingle (e.g., only one) sense operation on the memory cell, as will befurther described herein. For example, the soft data values associatedwith the data state of a memory cell can be determined using the samesense operation used to determine the data state of the cell, as will befurther described herein. In contrast, in previous approaches, multiple(e.g., more than one) separate sense operations may need to be performedon a memory cell to determine the soft data associated with the datastate of the cell. For example, in previous approaches, the soft datamay be determined by performing one or more sense operations on the cellthat are in addition to (e.g., separate from) the sense operation thatdetermines the hard data. Because embodiments of the present disclosurecan determine soft data by performing a single sense operation,embodiments of the present disclosure can determine the soft data fasterthan previous approaches that use multiple sense operations to determinethe soft data, which can increase the efficiency and/or performance(e.g., speed) of the memory as compared with such previous approaches.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of sense circuitry 302 inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Sensecircuitry 302 can perform a single (e.g., only one) sense operation on amemory cell (e.g., a memory cell 111-1, . . . , 111-N previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 1) to determine the data state of thecell (e.g., a hard data value) and associated soft data (e.g., soft datavalues). The single sense operation can be, for example, an active senseoperation, such as an active bit line sense operation (e.g., a senseoperation in which a single bit line, which can be referred to as theactive bit line, is selectively coupled to sense circuitry 302). Thatis, sense circuitry 302 can be active bit line sense circuitry (e.g.circuitry that can be selectively coupled to a single bit line).However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to aparticular type of sense circuitry or sense operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, sense circuitry 302 can be coupled (e.g.,selectively coupled) to a bit line and a source of a memory array, suchas bit lines 107-1, 107-2, 107-3, . . . , 107-M and source 123 of memoryarray 100 previously described in connection with FIG. 1. During thesingle sense operation, a single sensing signal (e.g., read voltage) canbe applied to a selected memory cell (e.g., to the control gate of thecell) of the array by providing the single sensing signal to the wordline (e.g., word line 105-1, . . . , 105-N previously described inconnection with FIG. 1) to which the selected cell is coupled. That is,the single sense operation can be performed using only a single sensingsignal. The single sensing signal can be, for example, a stepped sensingsignal, as will be further described herein (e.g., in connection withFIGS. 4A and 4B).

In response to the single sensing signal being applied to the selectedmemory cell, sense circuitry 302 can sense the current on the bit line(e.g., the active bit line) to which the selected cell is coupled. Thatis, the single sense operation can sense only a single value associatedwith the selected memory cell (e.g., the current on the bit line towhich the selected cell is coupled). This single value (e.g., the sensedbit line current) can be directly correlated to the threshold voltage ofthe selected cell. Accordingly, the data state of the selected cell, andthe soft data associated therewith, can be determined based on thesensed single value (e.g., based on the sensed bit line current).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, sense circuitry 302 can includetransistor 334 and capacitance 336 (e.g., a discrete capacitor orparasitic capacitance) coupled to the bit line to which the selectedcell is coupled, transistor 332 (e.g., bit line pre-charge transistor)coupled to a supply voltage node 330 (e.g., Vcc), and transistor 338(e.g., bit line clamp transistor) coupled to transistors 332 and 334.During the sense operation, transistor 334 can be operated to floatcapacitance 336, and the current on the bit line to which the selectedcell is coupled (e.g., the bit line current) can flow through, and besensed via, transistors 338 and 332. Transistors 332 and 338 can beoperated to sink the bit line current, which can sink the charge fromcapacitance 336. As such, the sensed bit line current (Isen) can begiven by:

Isen=C336×((Vcc−V336)/tsen)

where C336 is the capacitance of capacitance 336, Vcc is supply voltage330, V336 is the voltage across capacitance 336 during the senseoperation, and tsen is the duration of the sense operation (e.g., theamount of time for which the sense operation lasts). Accordingly, thevoltage across capacitance 336 (V336) during the sense operation can begiven by:

V336=Vcc−((Isen×tsen)/C336)

That is, the voltage across capacitance 336 during the sense operationcan be determined based on the sensed bit line current.

The data state of the selected cell, and the soft data associatedtherewith, can then be determined based on the voltage acrosscapacitance 336 during the sense operation. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, sense circuitry 302 can include an analog-to-digital (ADC)converter 342 coupled to capacitance 336 and the bit line to which theselected cell is coupled, and/or a boost driver 344 coupled tocapacitance 336 (e.g., to the plate of capacitance 336 that is oppositefrom the plate coupled to ADC converter 342). ADC converter 342 and/orboost driver 344 can convert (e.g., perform an ADC conversion of) thevoltage across capacitance 336 during the sense operation to a digitalvalue that corresponds to the data state of the selected cell and theassociated soft data (e.g., the digital values previously described inconnection with FIG. 2). That is, ADC converter 342 and/or boost driver344 can code the data state of the selected cell and the soft dataassociated therewith by performing an ADC conversion (e.g., translation)of the voltage across capacitance 336 during the sense operation. ADCconverter 342 and/or boost driver 344 can be, for example, inverters,such as PMOS inverters. However, embodiments of the present disclosureare not limited to a particular type of ADC converter or boost driver.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a timing diagram 403 associated with asingle sense operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 4B illustrates an additional example of atiming diagram 404 associated with a single sense operation inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thesingle sense operation can be performed on an array of memory cells(e.g., array 100 previously described in connection with FIG. 1) todetermine the data state of a selected cell and the associated soft datavalues, as previously described herein. In the examples illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the single sense operation can be a multilevel cellsense operation (e.g., a sense operation that determines the data state,and the soft data associated therewith, of a multilevel memory cell).

Timing diagrams 403 and 404 illustrate a number of waveforms (e.g.,waveforms 451, 453, 458, and 460) associated with a single senseoperation in accordance with the present disclosure. Waveform 451represents a pass signal provided to the unselected word lines of thearray (e.g., the word lines coupled to the unselected memory cells ofthe string that includes the selected cell). At an initial time (e.g.,time t0), the unselected word lines are increased to pass voltage (e.g.,read pass voltage) 452, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Providing the passsignal to the unselected word lines (e.g., increasing the unselectedword lines to pass voltage 452) can place the unselected cells in aconducting state, as previously described herein.

Waveforms 453 and 460 each represent a single sensing signal provided tothe selected word line of the array (e.g., the word line coupled to theselected cell). Providing the single sensing signal to the selected wordline can apply the single sensing signal to the selected cell (e.g., tothe control gate of the cell), as previously described herein.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the single sensingsignal is a stepped sensing signal. In the example illustrated in FIG.4A, the stepped sensing signal steps down. That is, at initial time t0,the selected word line is increased to voltage level 454. The selectedword line is then stepped down (e.g., decreased) to voltage level 455 attime t2, further stepped down to voltage level 456 at time t4, andfurther stepped down to voltage level 457 at time t6, as shown in FIG.4A. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4B, the stepped sensing signalsteps up. That is, at initial time t0, the selected word line isincreased to voltage level 461. The selected word line is then steppedup (e.g., increased) to voltage level 462 at time t2, further stepped upto voltage level 463 at time t4, and further stepped up to voltage level464 at time t6. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are notlimited to the stepped sensing signals illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Waveform 458 represents a signal provided to transistor 334 previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, thesignal can be provided to transistor 334 while the single sensing signalis being provided to the selected word line (e.g., after the sensingsignal steps down or up through the respective different voltagelevels), but may not be provided to transistor 334 (e.g., may bedecreased to voltage level 459 or turned off) while the sensing signalsteps up or down from the respective different voltage levels of thesensing signal. For instance, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, thesignal can be provided to transistor 334 while voltages 454, 455, 456,and 457 are being provided to the selected word line (e.g., from time t1to time t2, from time t3 to time t4, from time t5 to time t6, and fromtime t7 to time t8), but not while the sensing signal steps down fromvoltage level 454 to voltage level 455 (e.g., from time t2 to time t3),while the sensing signal steps down from voltage level 455 to 456 (e.g.,from time t4 to time t5), while the sensing signal steps down fromvoltage level 456 to 457 (e.g., from time t6 to time t7), or while thesensing signal steps down from voltage level 457 (e.g., from time t8 totime t9). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4B, the signal can beprovided to transistor 334 while voltages 461, 462, 463, and 464 arebeing provided to the selected word line (e.g., from time t1 to time t2,from time t3 to time t4, from time t5 to time t6, and from time t7 totime t8), but not while the sensing signal steps up from voltage level461 to voltage level 462 (e.g., from time t2 to time t3), while thesensing signal steps up from voltage level 462 to 463 (e.g., from timet4 to time t5), while the sensing signal steps up from voltage level 463to 464 (e.g., from time t6 to time t7), or while the sensing signalsteps down from voltage level 464 (e.g., from time t8 to time t9).Providing the signal to transistor 334 can float capacitance 336, aspreviously described in connection with FIG. 3.

The current on the bit line to which the selected cell is coupled (e.g.,the bit line current) can be sensed while the signal represented bywaveform 458 is provided to transistor 334 (e.g., while the respectivedifferent voltage levels of the single sensing signal represented bywaveforms 453 and 460 is being provided to the selected word line). Forinstance, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bit linecurrent can be sensed from time t1 to time t2, from time t3 to time t4,from time t5 to time t6, and from time t7 to time t8. The bit linecurrent can sensed by, for example, sense circuitry 302 previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 3.

The data state of the selected cell, and the soft data associatedtherewith, can be determined based on the sensed bit line current, aspreviously described herein (e.g., in connection with FIG. 3). The datastate and the associated soft data can be determined while the signalrepresented by waveform 458 is not being provided to transistor 334(e.g., while the single sensing signal represented by waveforms 453 and460 steps up or down through the respective voltage levels). Forinstance, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the data stateand the soft data can be determined from time t2 to time t3, from timet4 to time t5, from time t6 to time t7, and from time t8 to time t9.

By determining the soft data while the single sensing signal steps up ordown through the respective voltage levels, embodiments of the presentdisclosure can determine the soft data faster than previous approaches(e.g., approaches that use multiple distinct sense operations usingdifferent discrete read voltages to determine the soft data).Accordingly, determining the soft data while the single sensing signalsteps up or down through different respective voltage levels inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can increase theefficiency and/or performance (e.g., speed) of memory as compared withsuch previous approaches. Soft data obtained in accordance withembodiments described herein can be used by error detection/correctioncomponents (e.g., LDPC) to detect and/or correct errors in a moreefficient manner as compared to previous approaches.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of amemory device 570 in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. As used herein, an “apparatus” can refer to, but isnot limited to, any of a variety of structures or combinations ofstructures, such as a circuit or circuitry, a die or dice, a module ormodules, a device or devices, or a system or systems, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5, memory device 570 includes a controller 572 andsense circuitry 502 coupled to a memory array 500. Sense circuitry 502can be, for example, sense circuitry 302 previously described inconnection with FIG. 3. For example, sense circuitry 302 can determinethe data state of a memory cell of memory array 500, and the soft data(e.g., soft data values) associated therewith, by performing a singlesense operation, as previously described herein. Memory array 500 canbe, for example, memory array 100 previously described in connectionwith FIG. 1. Although one memory array is shown in FIG. 5, embodimentsof the present disclosure are not so limited (e.g., memory device 570can include more than one memory array coupled to controller 572).

Controller 572 can include, for example, control circuitry and/or logic(e.g., hardware and/or firmware). For instance, controller 572 caninclude error correction code (ECC) component 574, as illustrated inFIG. 5. ECC component 574 can utilize the soft data determined by sensecircuitry 302 to correct errors that occur when the data state of thememory cells of memory array 500 are sensed. For example, ECC component574 can utilize the soft data in a low-density parity-check (LDPC) ECCscheme to correct the errors. That is, ECC component 574 can be an LDPCECC component.

Controller 572 can be included on the same physical device (e.g., thesame die) as memory array 500, or can be included on a separate physicaldevice that is communicatively coupled to the physical device thatincludes memory array 500. In a number of embodiments, components ofcontroller 572 can be spread across multiple physical devices (e.g.,some components on the same die as the array, and some components on adifferent die, module, or board).

Controller 572 can operate sense circuitry 502 to perform senseoperations in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure to determine the data state, and soft data associatedtherewith, of the memory cells in memory array 500. For example,controller 572 can operate sense circuitry 502 to determine the softdata values associated with the data state of the cells by performing asingle sense operation on the cells in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 can include additional circuitrythat is not illustrated so as not to obscure embodiments of the presentdisclosure. For example, memory device 570 can include address circuitryto latch address signals provided over I/O connectors through I/Ocircuitry. Address signals can be received and decoded by a row decoderand a column decoder, to access memory array 500.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anarrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coveradaptations or variations of a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has beenmade in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinationof the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications inwhich the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope ofa number of embodiments of the present disclosure should be determinedwith reference to the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, some features are groupedtogether in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the presentdisclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: an array of memorycells; and a controller configured to operate sense circuitry to: sensea single value associated with a memory cell of the array by applying asingle stepped sensing signal to the memory cell, wherein the sensedsingle value is a current that is directly correlated to a thresholdvoltage of the memory cell; and determine soft data associated with adata state of the memory cell based on the sensed single value.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory cell is a flash memory cell. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flash memory cell is a multilevelflash memory cell.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the current is acurrent on a data line to which the memory cell is coupled.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the sense circuitry includes: acapacitance coupled to the memory cell; an analog-to-digital (ADC)converter coupled to a first plate of the capacitance; and a boostdriver coupled to a second plate of the capacitance.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the ADC converter and the boost driver are configuredto convert a voltage across the capacitance while the single steppedsensing signal is applied to the memory cell to a digital value thatcorresponds to the soft data.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesense circuitry is active bit line sense circuitry.
 8. A method foroperating memory, comprising: sensing a single value associated with aflash memory cell by applying a single stepped sensing signal to theflash memory cell, wherein the sensed single value is a current that isdirectly correlated to a threshold voltage of the flash memory cell; anddetermining soft data associated with a data state of the flash memorycell based on the sensed single value.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe soft data is determined by: determining, based on the sensed singlevalue, a voltage associated with a capacitance coupled to the flashmemory cell while the single stepped sensing signal is being applied tothe flash memory cell; and determining the soft data based on thedetermined voltage.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the methodincludes determining the data state of the flash memory cell based onthe sensed single value.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the methodincludes correcting an error associated with the determined data stateof the flash memory cell using the determined soft data.
 12. The methodof claim 8, wherein the single stepped sensing signal is applied to acontrol gate of the flash memory cell.
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein the single stepped sensing signal is applied to the flash memorycell by providing the single stepped sensing signal to an access line towhich the flash memory cell is coupled.
 14. An apparatus, comprising: anarray of NAND flash memory cells; and a controller configured to operatesense circuitry to: sense a single value associated with a memory cellof the array by applying a single stepped sensing signal to the memorycell, wherein the sensed single value is a current on a data line towhich the memory cell is coupled that is directly correlated to athreshold voltage of the memory cell; and determine soft data associatedwith a data state of the memory cell based on the sensed single value.15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the data line is selectivelycoupled to the sense circuitry.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:the sense circuitry includes: a first transistor coupled to a supplyvoltage node; and a second transistor coupled to the first transistor;and the sense circuitry is configured to sense the single value via thefirst transistor and the second transistor.
 17. The apparatus of claim16, wherein: the first transistor is a pre-charge transistor; and thesecond transistor is a clamp transistor.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the current (I) on the data line to which the memory cell iscoupled is given by:I=C×((Vcc−V)/t) wherein C is a capacitance coupled to the memory cell,Vcc is a supply voltage of the sense circuitry, V is a voltage acrossthe capacitance while the single stepped sensing signal is applied tothe memory cell, and t is an amount of time for which the single steppedsensing signal is applied to the memory cell.
 19. The apparatus of claim14, wherein the single stepped sensing signal steps up or steps downfrom a number of different voltage levels.
 20. The apparatus of claim19, wherein the current on the data line to which the memory cell iscoupled is sensed while the respective different voltage levels arebeing applied to the memory cell.